James MartinI still remember the first time I discovered sushi in Halifax. It was a tough day, and I needed something comforting that wasn’t fast food. Thankfully, Halifax isn’t just about lobster and scallops – this city by the sea has some amazing sushi spots, too!
What I found was pure magic; it turned me into a sushi enthusiast on the spot. Since that day, I’ve been exploring Halifax’s sushi scene non-stop. From hidden places offering fantastic dragon rolls to elegant spots with beautiful nigiri, this city has it all.
I’m excited to share my top sushi places in Halifax with you. Come along, and let’s find your new favorite sushi joint. The journey is going to be wasabi-flavored and delicious.
Wasabi House Quinpool
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Website: https://wasabihouse.ca/
Address: 6403 Quinpool Rd
Contact details: +1 902-429-3300
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday – Closed
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Spicy Salmon Roll
Wasabi House’s menu has a wide range of tastes and textures that you’ll love.
You should definitely try their Spicy Salmon Roll. The salmon is fresh and silky, with just the right amount of spice to give it a kick without overpowering the fish’s natural flavors.
Feeling a bit adventurous? Go for the Dragon Roll. It features smoky, tender eel on perfectly seasoned rice, with crispy cucumber for a nice crunch.
Thin avocado slices wrap it all up, and it’s topped off with a sweet and tangy unagi sauce that ties all the flavors together.
And let’s not forget their Nigiri. Each piece, whether it’s tuna or shrimp, features high-quality fish on vinegared rice that holds together just right, making each bite a perfect blend of flavors.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the chance to chat with the chefs. It’s not just about the food; talking with these passionate and skilled sushi masters adds a special touch to your experience. |
Sushi Nami Royale (Downtown)
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Website: https://sushinami.ca/downtown-halifax/
Address: 1458 Queen St
Contact details: +1 902-422-1636
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Spicy Gari Salmon Roll
Sushi Nami Royale isn’t just serving sushi; they aim to craft a great experience for everyone. With a menu that takes you through the finest selections of Nigiri, Sashimi, and Maki, your taste buds are in for a wild ride.
Take their Dragon Roll, for example. It’s got smooth avocado slices over tender eel, all topped with a sweet and tasty unagi sauce. Inside, there are crispy tempura bits and fresh cucumber, giving it a perfect mix of smooth and crunchy in every bite.
And if you love a bit of heat, you have to try the Spicy Gari Salmon Roll. These rolls are filled with spicy mayo, fresh, fatty salmon, and pickled ginger (gari) for a unique twist.
| Pro tip: Check out the “Chef’s Specials” section of the menu. These specials are not just ordinary dishes; they are often inspired by seasonal ingredients or something inventive that the sushi chefs have been working on. |
Sushi Jet
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Website: https://www.sushijethalifax.com/
Address: 1577 South Park St
Contact details: +1 902-420-7888
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Rainbow Roll
Sushi Jet makes sure each sushi roll is perfect, giving you a great mix of flavor, texture, and freshness in every bite.
One great example is their Rainbow Roll. You’ll enjoy a delicious combination of creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and juicy crab meat, topped with fresh slices of buttery salmon, rich tuna, and vibrant red snapper.
It’s not just pretty to look at— the smooth fish, crunchy cucumber, and creamy avocado give your taste buds a real treat.
Another standout is the Mango Shrimp Roll, which is perfect for those who appreciate a sweet twist to their sushi. This roll features plump shrimp tempura paired with creamy avocado and a slice of sweet mango, all wrapped together in a rice and seaweed roll.
| Pro tip: Try their all-you-can-eat (AYCE) sushi option. It’s an absolute game-changer for anyone who wants to sample a wide variety of their menu without having to pick and choose. |
Kiyoto Sushi All You Can Eat
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Website: https://www.kiyotosushi.com/
Address: 6191 Young St
Contact details: +1 902-495-5555
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Wednesday – 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Tuna Nigiri
When you walk into Kiyoto Sushi All You Can Eat, you’ll be greeted with a welcoming blend of flavors.
Starting with the Salmon Avocado Roll is always a good idea. The salmon is incredibly fresh, and when paired with the creamy avocado and spot-on seasoned rice, each bite offers a silky, savory mix with a touch of ocean freshness.
Another good option is the Tuna Nigiri. It features tender slices of tuna on subtly seasoned rice with a touch of wasabi for a bit of a kick. These dishes offer a straightforward yet satisfying experience for anyone who enjoys sushi.
| Pro tip: Make room to try items like their miso soup with its depth of umami flavors, the crisp and light tempura vegetables, or the savory gyoza dumplings. These dishes not only provide a variety of textures and tastes but also enhance the overall meal, offering a palate cleanser between different types of sushi. |
Zen House Restaurant
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Website: https://zenhousehalifax.com/
Address: 1463 Brenton St
Contact details: +1 902-407-3388
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Zen House Special Roll
Zen House Restaurant serves up sushi that not only looks beautiful but tastes amazing, too. Their varied menu is designed to impress and even surprise your taste buds.
We recommend starting with the Zen House Special Roll. It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors, featuring the subtle crunch of tempura flakes, the creamy richness of avocado, and the fresh zing of tuna or salmon.
Another standout is the Sunset Roll. This roll blends soft-shell crab and cucumber, topped with thinly sliced avocado and a drizzle of mango sauce. The flavors come together beautifully.
| Pro tip: Ask for the “Chef’s Choice” when you visit. By trusting the chef’s expertise and creativity, you get to sample unique creations that might not even be listed on the menu. |
Sea Smoke Restaurant & Bar
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Website: https://www.seasmokehalifax.com/
Address: 1477 Lower Water St Unit 140
Contact details: +1 902-406-1051
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Lobster Monster Roll
At Sea Smoke, you’ll discover a selection of sushi rolls that showcase the chef’s years of dedication to innovative sushi.
Take the Lobster Monster Roll, for example. This roll combines fresh, sweet lobster with avocado, cucumber, and tobiko. It’s topped with a creamy spicy mayo and eel sauce, resulting in a combination that’s both rich and refreshingly light.
If you’re a fan of heat, the Volcano Roll is perfect for you. It’s tempura-fried and packed with spicy tuna and cucumber, then topped with a spicy crab mix.
The combination is balanced by creamy avocado, offering an exciting mix of textures and flavors with each bite.
| Pro tip: Reserve a table at sunset. Sea Smoke is renowned not only for its exquisite sushi and innovative dishes but also for its stunning location by the water, offering breathtaking views. |
Kanpai Izakaya
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Website: https://kanpaiizakaya.com/
Address: 1535 Dresden Row
Contact details: +1 902-435-4489
Operating hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Black Dragon Roll
Kanpai Izakaya serves up sushi that combines traditional flavors with a local twist.
Their Crunch Roll is a delightful combination of shrimp tempura and creamy avocado, topped with crispy tempura bits and a sweet-savory sauce that hits all the right notes.
And for a real treat, try the Black Dragon Roll. This one’s loaded with shrimp tempura, cucumber, and avocado, all wrapped in rice and topped with smoky grilled eel and more avocado, drizzled with a delicious unagi sauce.
These rolls aren’t just about the food; Kanpai’s sushi is a master at blending textures and flavors. You’ll get everything from the zing of fresh fish to the soft touch of perfectly seasoned rice.
| Pro tip: Try their Izakaya-style dining. Unlike a traditional sit-down meal, Izakaya encourages sharing, making it perfect for groups who love to taste a little bit of everything. |
Ko-Doraku
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Website: https://ko-doraku.jimdofree.com/
Address: 1467 Brenton Street
Contact details: +1 902-423-8787
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM & 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM
- Friday – Closed
- Saturday – 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Spider Roll
Ko-Doraku, run by a Japanese-Canadian couple, blends authentic Japanese dining with a touch of Halifax’s own vibe. The restaurant’s minimalistic and welcoming atmosphere makes it a unique spot where they truly turn sushi into an art form.
Take their Salmon Nigiri, for instance. You get these buttery slices of salmon on top of perfectly seasoned rice. It’s simple but incredibly good, with just a touch of wasabi and soy sauce that brings it all together.
If you’re into a mix of textures, the Spider Roll is a must-try. It features tempura-fried soft-shell crab, avocado, and cucumber, topped with a sweet and tangy sauce. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, along with creaminess and a hint of spice.
| Pro tip: Take advantage of their tasting courses, if available. While picking your favorites from the menu is always great, opting for a chef-curated sushi-tasting course allows you to experience a gastronomic journey designed to showcase the best of what Ko-Doraku has to offer. |
Kajiki Japanese Cuisine
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Website: https://www.kajiki.ca/
Address: 1569 Dresden Row
Contact details: +1 902-299-9888
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM & 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Tuesday – Closed
- Saturday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$
Must-Order: Firecracker Roll
Each of the rolls from Kajiki Japanese Cuisine offers a unique blend of elements, ensuring there’s something to satisfy any of your sushi cravings.
Let’s start with the Firecracker Roll. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, this is for you. It’s filled with spicy salmon marinated in a zesty blend, giving it just the right amount of heat.
The crunchy cucumber slices offer a refreshing contrast, while creamy avocado smooths it all out. To top it off, crispy tempura flakes add a delightful crunch, and a drizzle of spicy mayonnaise kicks things up a notch.
The Green Dragon Roll is perfect if you enjoy a more mellow but equally delicious experience. This roll has tender eel, which has a natural sweetness and slight smokiness, complemented by the fresh crunch of cucumber.
It’s topped with thin, creamy slices of avocado and drizzled with a sweet and tangy unagi sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on the chef’s special roll of the day. While the menu already has a fantastic selection, asking for the chef’s daily creation can turn your meal from great to truly unforgettable. |
